Rosacea is a skin disorder that primarily appears on the face. The symptoms of rosacea include ruddiness and redness on the cheeks, chin, forehead neck, ears and chest. Early diagnosis and treatment of rosacea can prevent other symptoms such as bumps, pimples and in more severe cases, rhinophyma. Lavender is a flowering plant in the mint family. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of lavender may help in the treatment of rosacea.
Causes of Rosacea
Rosacea affects mostly women between the age of 30 and 60 years old. The condition is more common in individuals with fair skin who have blood vessels near their skin. The exact cause of rosacea is not known. According to "The ACP Handbook of Women's Health," stress or emotional problems may contribute to outbreaks or increasing severity of the condition. Doctors typically treat rosacea with oral antibiotics and other therapies.
Uses of Lavender
Lavender is an effective cleanser. Additionally, you can use the essential oil of lavender as an herbal remedy to treat stress, insomnia, anxiety and alopecia. Lavender is gentle enough to use on your skin, and it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may help in the treatment of rosacea. However, no clinical evidence supports the use of lavender to treat rosacea.
Treatment of Rosacea
Doctors have to individualize the treatment of rosacea, because specific symptoms vary from patient to patient. Having the condition diagnosed early helps doctors find an effective treatment for your specific condition. It is commonly treated with a topical antibiotic medication called Metrogel or Rosac. Doctors may also prescribe oral antibiotics. In advanced stages of rosacea, doctors typically use more invasive treatments, such as different types of lasers to diminish the appearance of the rosacea. Surgery is also an option.
Cure for Rosacea
Once you receive a professional diagnosis of rosacea, the doctor can use different methods of therapy to help control your outbreaks and keep them to a minimum. Always speak with a medical professional before attempting to treat rosacea with lavender. Using a combination of traditional and alternative medicine may help you control the condition. However, you should work with your doctor to develop a medically recommended treatment regimen for your specific condition.
References
- NCCAM: Lavender; July 2010
- Rosacea: All About Rosacea
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lavender; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 2009
- "Integrative Medicine"; David Rakel; 2002
- "The ACP Handbook of Women's Health"; By Rose S. Fife et al; 2009
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
